ACSI Podcasts

ACSI Podcasts

On this channel are ACSI’s four podcasts: Sharpening Kingdom Leaders, with President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor. Grafted Together, with Chief Ministry Officer Jerry Nelson. Student Leadership & Learning, with SLL Director Emily Pigott. The Flourishing Journey, with Director of Leadership Programs Dr. Edward Bunn. ACSI’s podcasts aim to equip Christian school educators and strengthen you in your calling to impact the next generation for Christ. On a weekly basis, you can hear interviews, stories, research, and more. These podcasts will help sharpen your leadership and explore ways to cultivate a flourishing school community, all through a biblical worldview framework. Watch these episodes on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@associationofchristianscho4983/featured

Episodes

October 26, 2026 • 51 mins

Douglas Campbell speaks with Sean Englert, Head of School at Northlake Christian School (LA) about addressing the growing crisis of biblical illiteracy. They discuss practical ways Christian schools can cultivate a culture of scripture reading and spiritual formation by engaging students, staff, and families through structured reading plans and community initiatives.

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Veteran Christian school administrator Dr. Christian Klaue discusses the intersection of faith, education, and discipleship with Jerry Nelson. They explore the authentic Christian educator model, the collaborative roles of home, church, and school, and the importance of fostering a biblical worldview in students.   Bio: Dr. Christian Klaue is currently in his 32nd year as an administrator of a Christian school within ACSI West...

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Dr. Denver Daniel, President of Open Door Christian Schools, joins Douglas Campbell to discuss living as a citizen and ambassador of God's kingdom. They discuss integrating this philosophy across all areas of school life, evaluating student spiritual growth through an intentional inventory, and the vital role of Sabbath rest for school leaders.  

Join the Spiritual Formation Network at acsi.org/spiritualformation

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Dr. Matthew Weathers, Chief Enrollment Officer at Bob Jones University, joins the Grafted Together Podcast and highlights the strategic value of humanities and liberal arts education, emphasizing how foundational learning fosters "cultural dexterity" and equips students for diverse callings.

Guest bio: Dr. Matthew Weathers has served globally as a K–12 Christian school vice-principal, university instructor, cross-cultural le...

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How do we equip students to wrestle with questions with wisdom and grace? Emily Pigott shares practical tips for educators.

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Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe

The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to maximize educators' impact, and develop student leaders. Your host is Emil...

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Billy Sparacio rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast for the third part of the Kingdom Athletics Series, discussing how coaches in both Christian and public schools can look beyond scoreboard wins to intentionally cultivate character, leadership, and faith in athletes.

See the 7 enemies of greatness (and how to defeat them) document here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/7-enemies

This is ...

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Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President & CEO, gave a presentation at the recent ACSI Public Policy & Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. on how, and why, we advocate for Christ-centered education. This episode is the majority of that presentation, plus a quick summary of the ACSI Convene network.   

Learn more at acsi.org/convene

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Chad McDaniel with WorldVision joins Jerry Nelson to discuss how students learn not just by hearing but by witnessing, practicing, and connecting lessons to real-life circumstances.

View the Walk for Water School Guide here: https://www.acsi.org/docs/default-source/communication---engagement/podcasts/walk-for-water-school-guide.pdf

Chad McDaniel leads World Vision’s efforts to serve Christian schools across the U.S., helping ...

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Chad Dirkse, Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School (MD), joins the Grafted Together Podcast for a conversation on the relationship between the church and the school.

Chad Dirkse has served in Christian education for over 25 years in roles that include math and science teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, head of school, and board member. He is currently the Head of School at Annapolis Area Christian School, whe...

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How do we help students navigate complexity, truth, and discernment? Emily Pigott has helpful insights on how to lead students in not only what to think, but how to process the biggest questions.

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Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe

The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims to help create enriching experiences beyond the classroom, explore ways to m...

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Hear a portion of John Stonestreet's presentation at the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit earlier this year, as he discusses schools who want to lead with a biblical worldview. Plus, Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School at The First Academy (FL) shares how the FFI fits into his school's larger goal of preparing students to walk with Jesus far beyond their graduation.

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Part Two of the Kingdom Athletics Series focuses on how identifying your goals will lead to forming your vision. Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast.

Victory Formation exists to equip and encourage coaches to see their role as more than coaching a sport. Learn more: www.victoryformation4hg.org

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Billy Sparacio, longtime athletic director and educator, rejoins the Grafted Together Podcast to discuss Kingdom athletics and how to forge deeper connections and discipleship through sports.

With close to 30 years of experience in high school athletics, Billy Sparacio is a seasoned and respected leader in the field. Billy has worked in both the Public and Private School arena, serving as a Classroom Teacher, P.E. Teacher and P.E. ...

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Heather Hager, Head of School at Harp's Crossing Christian Academy (GA), didn't realize how beneficial the ACSI accreditation process would be until she experienced it. Hear her school's story and also learn what makes Calvary Christian High School (FL) unique with Head of School David Kilgore.

Learn more about ACSI accreditation at www.acsi.org/accreditation

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Robb Warfield, Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA), joins the podcast to discuss the partnership of various parties in spiritual formation.

Robb Warfield serves as the Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools (WA) and formerly Superintendent of the International Schools of West Africa (ISWA), bringing over two decades of transformative leadership experience in educational environments across the United States and Af...

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Discussing the latest research on spiritual formation, Dr. Lynn Swaner joins the Grafted Together Podcast.

Dr. Lynn Swaner is the President, US at Cardus, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to clarifying and strengthening, through research and dialogue, the ways in which society’s institutions can work together for the common good. She is a Senior Fellow at ACSI. Dr. Swaner holds a doctorate in organizational leadership from...

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What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? Paul Matthews, bestselling author and TEDx speaker, joins Jerry Nelson to take about wise AI use.

Paul Matthews is a school leader at an independent school in Southern Tasmania, a TEDx speaker, and a bestselling author with a passion for helping others navigate Artificial Intelligence with clarity and confidence. He speaks to professionals across Australia and North America, equipping...

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When student leadership becomes primarily about being seen, the heart behind it is corrupted. At the same time, it is good to recognize students when they serve others. Emily Pigott provides a helpful framework for developing students who lead beyond the spotlight.

- Do you read the quarterly Student Leadership & Learning newsletters? Subscribe at www.acsi.org/subscribe 

The Student Leadership & Learning Podcast aims t...

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Jerry Nelson talks with ACSI's Mike Epp and Dr. David Balik about the foundation of prayer in leadership roles.

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Mike Epp & David Balik bios:

Mike Epp has served for more than four decades in Christian education, including 19 years at Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Now in his 19th year with ACSI, he serves as the Vice President of Global Development. Mike holds a Master’...

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Jerry Nelson shares the second part of a two-part devotional-style teaching on Biblical study and how to allow God's Word and the Holy Spirit to transform you.

This podcast is also on YouTube with accompanying slides, watch here: https://youtu.be/tcLRWByny1w

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